Flood Emergency Declared in Wellington After Rainfall Triggers Landslides

(MENAFN) A state of emergency has been declared in New Zealand’s capital, Wellington, after heavy rainfall led to widespread flooding and landslides, according to state media reports.

Authorities confirmed that at least one person is currently missing following the extreme weather event. Weather services also issued upgraded warnings for continued heavy rain affecting Wellington and the nearby Wairarapa region, with alerts remaining in place until Tuesday night.

The national meteorological agency warned that the ongoing rainfall poses serious risks, including dangerous river conditions, significant flooding, and potential land instability that could trigger additional landslides. Officials stressed that the situation could become life-threatening in affected areas.

Emergency management authorities urged residents to take immediate precautions, especially those living in low-lying or historically flood-prone neighborhoods. They emphasized that some of these areas have experienced repeated flooding events in recent years.

Local officials advised people in at-risk zones to relocate to safer areas for at least the next 24 hours. They also encouraged residents not to delay evacuation decisions if conditions appear unsafe, even in the absence of official instructions.

Overall, authorities have urged the public to remain alert and treat the weather warnings with urgency as rainfall continues to impact already vulnerable regions.

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